Onyeka Okongwu figures to be the future of the Atlanta Hawks frontcourt. After showing growth each of his first three seasons in the league, the Hawks have agreed to a four-year, $62 million contract extension with the young center, first reported by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Now under contract in Atlanta through the 2027-28 season, Okongwu is set to hold a key role, possibly taking over for veteran big man Clint Capela sooner than later.

Okongwu, 22, was drafted 6th overall by the Hawks in 2020 and has made his presence felt as one of the better rim protectors in the entire league. His 107 blocks last season ranked 10th in the NBA and he came off the bench in 62 of the 80 total games he played in.

In total, Okongwu averaged 9.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game last season, all of which were new career-highs.

While his offensive game does not extend out to the perimeter, Okongwu looked very comfortable running pick-and-roll sets last season with All-Stars Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. Playing well above the rim, Okongwu is viewed as a lob threat whenever he is on the floor. When Capela was out last season, the young big man stepped up and showed flashes of his full potential, which has led to this extension before the 2023-24 season.

“Overall I've just been trying to get better and add little things over the years,” Okongwu told ClutchPoints this summer. “I think media, fans, the team, from that standpoint and perspective I think they can all tell I've been getting better. This year I'm excited to add more to my game like handling and shooting more.”

The time for Okongwu to become the Hawks' starting center may be coming, especially since Capela was involved in offseason trade rumors. Okongwu's role is expected to increase under new head coach Quin Snyder and he will once again prove to be one of the better instant-impact bench players in the league.